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Aphthous ulcer - Management
When should I refer?
- Refer urgently anyone with:
- Unexplained ulceration of the oral mucosa or mass persisting for more than 3 weeks.
- Unexplained red and white patches (including suspected lichen planus) of the oral mucosa that are painful, swollen, or bleeding.
- Symptoms or signs related to the oral cavity that persist for more than 6 weeks if a definitive diagnosis of a benign lesion cannot be made.
- Make a non-urgent referral for anyone with:
- Unexplained red and white patches (including suspected lichen planus) of the oral mucosa that are not painful, swollen, or bleeding.
- A suspected underlying cause of aphthous-like ulceration, suggested by history, examination, or results of investigations (see Differential diagnosis).
- Particularly painful and disabling aphthous ulceration or if recurrences are frequent and severe and not adequately relieved by symptomatic treatments.
- Refer to a dentist anyone with a suspected localized dental cause of recurrent ulceration, such as poorly-fitting dentures or a damaged tooth. This may be suggested by recurrent ulceration in the same place.
In depth
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